Eversource & BBB Offer Tips to Avoid Becoming a Scam Victim

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

GoLocalWorcester Business Team

Scams have already been zeroing in on utility customers all over the state of Massachusetts targeting residents and businesses.

The scammers can often sound legitimate and convincing, threaten to shut off electric service immediately unless payment is made by a prepaid debit card.

Beware of Scams

Eversource and the Better Business Bureau are warning customers to beware and know the signs of a scam.

“These scammers can be relentless but they’re only successful if they catch our customers off-guard and scare them into making a payment. If anyone suspects that someone is impersonating an Eversource representative, they should contact us immediately and report it to local police. The key to stopping these scammers in their tracks is - don’t panic and don’t pay," said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Eversource.

Eversource has offered these tips to help avoid being a victim of scams:

Eversource representatives never demand instant payment over the phone, don’t require the use of pre-paid debit cards (such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit prepaid cards) and never request customers meet at a payment center, such as a Walmart or Big Y grocery store to make the payment.
Never provide personal financial or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door or online, even if they seem legitimate.
Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes information on how to maintain their service.
Customers can verify they are speaking with an Eversource representative by asking for some basic information about their account like the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance.

Eversource accepts several methods of payment and has multiple convenient payment options for its customers. The company urges anyone who has doubts about the legitimacy of a call, visit or an offer, to contact them directly at 1-800-592-2000 in Eastern Massachusetts and at 1-877-659-6326 in Western Massachusetts.

“This scam is similar to other criminal activity that targets consumers, using intimidation to get people to pay. The good news is that when we warn businesses and residents, and educate them about how these schemes work, the better protected we are," said Paula Fleming of the Massachusetts Better Business Bureau.

BBB's Scam Tracker

The Better Business Bureau recently launched the BBB Scam Tracker, an interactive national tracking system that provided up to date information on the latest scams. The tracker shows the volume and types of fraud across the country and in any neighborhood.

The system also contains a link to report suspicious activities to alert other consumers.

About Massachusetts BBB

The Massachusetts Better Business Bureau was founded in 1928 and is an unbiased non profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.

For more information, click here.